Iowa has a rich educational scene, with its public colleges and universities being some of the most acclaimed state institutions in the country. The University of Iowa is even home to a writers' workshop that has resulted in the city being named an official UNESCO City of Literature! Countless famous faces have visited the city - but most people don't know what a huge role the university and state played in the battle for women's rights to an equal education. Iowa's feminist history is surprisingly rich, and it all began when the University of Iowa became the first university to fully admit women as equal students and allow them access to the same programs as male students. Let's turn back the clock, and see how Iowa helped to change the country and pave the way for equal rights.

The University of Iowa is the crown jewel of Iowa's public university system, and its roots date back to 1847. It would only be eight years later that it would make history.

While some private coed colleges and women's colleges had been opened, the University of Iowa became the first public university to admit women as equal students in 1855.

This would only be the start of significant moves in Iowa feminist history. Arabella Mansfield would push Iowa to become the first state to allow women to practice law in 1869.

She would officially take her oath as Iowa's first female lawyer that year at the historic Union Block building in Mount Pleasant.

Cornell College would soon name its first female professor, as Harriette Jay Cooke became a full-time professor of German studies.

Also in 1871, Ada E. North would become the first woman appointed to statewide office - taking the oath as the Iowa State Librarian.

All this progress would come back to the University of Iowa, as in 1873 the first law degree awarded to a woman would be given to Mary B. Hickey Wilkinson.

Did you know about the role the University of Iowa played in Iowa feminist history? Have you been to any of the sites mentioned in this article? Let us know in the comments section! You can learn more about the long history and countless opportunities at this historic college in Iowa by visiting the website of what's often called one of the best colleges in the US. The area around the college is also home to Iowa's best art museum - the Stanley Museum of Art. If you're looking for a place to stay in the area, the Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University makes an amazing home base for college tours or just looking around.